Madagascar has entered its fifth consecutive day of mass protests, with demonstrators intensifying calls for President Andry Rajoelina to step down. The unrest began in Antananarivo over persistent water shortages and power cuts but has since spread to other cities, despite the president’s move to dissolve his cabinet earlier this week, Reuters reported.
Protesters have demanded not only Rajoelina’s resignation but also the dissolution of the election commission, senate and supreme court, which they accuse of enabling governance failures. The youth-driven “Gen Z” movement has played a prominent role, drawing momentum from similar uprisings in Kenya and Nepal. Demonstrators in Antananarivo and Toliara carried banners reading “Rajoelina Out” as rallies swelled in size.
The United Nations has reported at least 22 deaths and more than 100 injuries linked to the unrest, though the government disputes those figures. Security forces have used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, while isolated incidents of looting have been reported. Despite efforts to restore calm, public anger shows little sign of easing.
Opposition groups have thrown their weight behind the protests, with Firaisankina coalition leader Rivo Rakotovao stating that no opposition figure will join a government led by Rajoelina. In response, presidential spokesperson Lova Ranoromaro condemned the destruction of property and warned against any attempt to destabilize the state, underscoring the growing political deadlock.
